Orange County Public Records confirm that the large plot of land behind the kid’s park – the Lowery property – has filed for a zoning change to build 13 single-family homes on the property. In fact, it has been “fast tracked” by the county. That means it is being processed as fast as possible.
If passed Cypress Chase will be subjected to two or more years of construction within our gated community. This is the property behind our park that currently has 3 houses. Though the current zoning is for max of 4 homes the owners are requesting a change to 13 homes.
The HOA board president Peter Flynn has stated that because they have an easement though our community and front gate, we cannot dispute any zoning change. That is blatantly not true and goes to show the lack of knowledge he possesses.
- Massive cement trucks, lumber, and heavy equipment going in and out of our community, causing damage to the roads, blocking our entrance, and generally disrupting our community.
- Unless mitigated we will face noise and traffic, 12 hours a day, 6 or 7 days a week for two or more years.
- Countless unnamed workers in and about our neighborhood.
- Extensive dust, dirt, and debris.
- Lower property values.
The filing is between the Lowery Trust, Element Home Builders LLC, Gemini Design, LLC, and Orange County. It began in late 2021, and is now fast tracked to approval, We won’t know for certain until the project map is released but they will be using either the end of Cypress Chase Way or Golden Cypress Ct, possibly both to access the project. They do not have to file a parcel map or home designs to move forward with rezoning
Orange county rezoning documents are available on these websites
https://www.SaveCypressChase.com or the Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1106125996578913
The acting but unelected Board of the Cypress Chase HOA is aware of this project, and of the negative effects it would have on our community, yet they are not taking action to prevent it from happening. The current acting President is Peter Flynn. He was not voted into the position, and somehow defaulted into the role upon our former President’s departure from the Community earlier this year.
At the August 2022 Board Meeting, Flynn, was asked why he had not disclosed this information to the community. His answer was “…(I) don’t want people to panic” and that “there is nothing we can do about it.” It is not his place to censor news that affects all of us. His stated assertion that the property must be sold first to rezone is ridiculous. It is being rezoned under the owner’s name.
Neighbors, let me be very clear: if we don’t take action very soon the fight is lost.
First, we need a new Board. Not an appointed board but one that is elected.
Dishonesty, apathy, or lack of transparency should not be tolerated. This means electing 3 or 4 or more homeowners that care about honesty and transparency. If you’re willing to help, please introduce yourself on our Facebook page. Additionally, we must adjust community rules to protect our community, to mitigate the possible coming construction problems before they are problems.
Should the project be approved, the following should be minimum. Issues such as these are added to the CC&Rs by a general vote of the community.
- No commercial activity or entrance via the gate before 8am.
- No commercial noise after 5pm.
- No commercial entrance or work on Holidays or weekends.
- Weight restrictions on trucks to keep our roads from being destroyed.
- It may be necessary to have the builder pay for security at the gate during working hours to monitor workers.
Second
We all need to reach out to our County Officials. Letters or emails are the best channels to reach out. Calling usually is not as effective because there is no record of your request.
Commissioner Nicole H. Wilson
201 S. Rosalind Ave., 5th Floor
Orlando, FL 32801
Email: district1@ocfl.net
Phone: 407-836-7312
Ted Kozak, AICP
Chief Planner, Zoning Division
Tel: 407-836-5537
Ted.Kozak@ocfl.net
Location: Orange County Administration Building
in Orange County Commission Chambers
201 S. Rosalind Avenue, 1st Floor
Orlando, Florida 32801
Send an email or (and a written letter) asking for their help. I will attach a sample letter. They are our best hope of dealing with the situation.
There are other possibilities to help stop this, but any action will require Board support, and thus a competent Board. Something we do not have now. The next steps to fighting and resisting is to reach out to our elected representatives. Hopefully at the next HOA meeting we will have new leadership.
Without direction and leadership, however, we will fail. To beat this threat, we need a united front of neighbors, a true community. I am merely a concerned neighbor interested in protecting my home. Watch for our website where updates will be posted, and please join the Facebook page. If you would like information in a faster manner, please send me an email.
Please review the videos clips made up of videos shots spanning 3 HOA meetings. They clearly show what we are up against.